The ex-mayor of Gouverneur was charged Tuesday with grand larceny, third degree.

Chris Miller, 30, of 171 Rowley Street, was arrested by St. Lawrence County Sheriff's detectives.

Miller is accused of selling a home in Gouverneur for $50,000 when he did not have the right to do so, because another man shared ownership of the property.

Miller resigned last week after a controversial nine months in office.

He was released without bail.

When 7 News contacted Miller Tuesday afternoon, he hung up on us.

Coincidentally, the man who replaced Miller - acting mayor Ron McDougall - filed nominating petitions Tuesday. McDougall is running for the remaining year of Miller's term.

In a press release Tuesday afternoon, detectives outlined the case against Miller.

According to the press release:

- Miller 'sold' a home at 31 Edith Street to Ronald and Heather Sliter for $50,000 on March 29; $10,000 was the down payment, with an agreement to pay $560 a month for 30 years.

- But Miller didn't tell the Sliters that another man, Dylan Liebenow of Gouverneur, owned the property with Miller.

- There was a confrontation between Miller and Liebenow at the property, with Miller telling the Sliters to call the police if Liebenow showed up again.

- "After several more weeks" the Sliters thought the matter was settled, only to be approached by Miller in early June, asking if they'd like to buy out his half of the house and get his name off the deed. They said no thanks, demanded again to see the paperwork for the deal.

- When Miller presented them with a copy of the original contract for the house, the Sliters went to the law firm where the contract was supposedly drawn up, only to find out the law firm - which is not named in the release - had nothing to do with Miller or the contract.

- Worse, Miller had put down they had paid him $1,000 instead of $10,000. Worse yet, they discovered there are $30,000 in judgements against the property. The Sliters contacted the sheriff's office on August 7 to ask for a criminal investigation.